IIM Bangalore Campus in Indonesia Announced
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) will establish a campus in Indonesia, marking a significant step in bilateral educational and technological cooperation. The announcement came during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on July 7, 2026.
Landmark Agreements in AI and Space
India and Indonesia finalized a series of landmark pacts aimed at empowering youth and expanding cooperation in cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence and space research. PM Modi highlighted the shared demographic advantage and technical synergy, stating, "We will also share best practices regarding sustainable farming and agro-technology. The 21st century is driven by technology. Both India and Indonesia are nations brimming with youthful energy, and our youth possess a natural aptitude for technology."
Strategic Frameworks for Digital Fluency
The high-level talks resulted in actionable frameworks designed to leverage digital fluency through institutional collaborations and shared public platforms. PM Modi elaborated, "Today, we have signed a significant agreement to enhance technological cooperation among our youth in areas such as AI, telecommunications, and digital public infrastructure. We have also agreed to deepen startup collaboration between our two nations. We are going to establish a campus of India's prestigious management institute, IIM Bangalore, in Indonesia; this will greatly benefit the youth across the entire ASEAN region."
Space Cooperation Strengthened
The strategic alignment extends beyond terrestrial innovation into advanced outer space exploration. PM Modi noted, "We have shared a trusted, decades-long partnership in the space sector as well. Building upon this, key decisions regarding joint research, technology sharing, and capacity building in the space sector have been taken today."
Ceremonial Welcome and Diplomatic Context
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome in Jakarta, featuring horse-mounted guards, a Guard of Honour, and enthusiastic crowds. President Prabowo personally received the Prime Minister, with the two leaders sharing a warm hug. The visit is the initial leg of a three-nation diplomatic tour, also including Australia and New Zealand.
Broader Geopolitical Objectives
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi emphasized that the visit would reinforce India's strategic footprint, stating, "My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific."
Cultural and Community Engagements
During his stay, PM Modi will interact with the Indian diaspora and accompany President Prabowo to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, described by the Prime Minister as a symbol of deep civilisational links between India and Indonesia.
